Cleaning

[Richard Ft. Lauderdale]

Re: Cleaning?

Big difference if you ride 3k miles a month, versus 300 also. I think Richard has the Genny as the weekend car

Actually, it's my every day car but I rarely go very far (eleven months and just under 3,000 miles). In fact it has been the only car for two of us for about four months. The BMW has been in the shop for four months. I think next will be the interior (any body's guess how long that will take) then the exterior.

It just came home the other day with instructions to drive it and determine if it develops any new problems.

 

[Richard Ft. Lauderdale]

Re: Cleaning?

Rubbing Compound (or even Polishing Compound) should never be used on anything but a badly oxidized paint surface (one with a very dull surface that does not respond to wax).

You are probably too young to even seen very many badly oxidized paint surfaces on a car, much less have such a surface on your own car. 30-40 years ago it was not unusual for people to have their cars painted every 5 years or so (sometimes more or less often depending on where you lived). This was before clear coats and before the painting technology was greatly improved.

You don't need to be an old fart like me to have seen a badly oxidized paint surface. Just come look at my 1996 BMW 850 Ci.

 

[JPW]

Re: Cleaning?

In regards to the paint this post seems to focus on what to do after damage is visible (swirl marks). What about if your someone that is going to purchase in a month or two? I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Black Genesis. I only wash my cars myself. Would simply using something like a soap that has carnuba wax built-in to it be enough to keep it looking its best or should I be using a different process? Again, any guidance for me on what is best to to keep the paint looking good long-term from the day I pick it up forward is appreciated.

 

[TJPark01]

Re: Cleaning?

In regards to the paint this post seems to focus on what to do after damage is visible (swirl marks). What about if your someone that is going to purchase in a month or two? I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Black Genesis. I only wash my cars myself. Would simply using something like a soap that has carnuba wax built-in to it be enough to keep it looking its best or should I be using a different process? Again, any guidance for me on what is best to to keep the paint looking good long-term from the day I pick it up forward is appreciated.

JPW read these sites. There is some video too. It's a systematic way to keep your car showroom fresh. Like I said before, most scratches come from the washing process. I have had really good luck with The California duster every 2 or 3 days, then wiping the car down with Meguiar's Synethtic detailers spray and a microfiber towel. I haven't washed the car in almost 2 months and it looks showroom clean.
I must preface this by saying I have more chemicals and polishing and detailing tools than any one human needs, it's a passion of mine.
I would say must haves for myself are:
Porter Cable 7424 (but only if you're obsessed with detailing).
California Duster
Foam Gun
Grit Guard and separate wash buckets
Detailing Clay
Mother's Powerballmini (for getting behind the rims).
Shop Vac (w blower option).
http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/
http://paintcarendetailing.com/
http://meguiarsonline.com/

 

[mk1]

Re: Cleaning?

Wally my Black 4.6 has swirls too. RUBBING COMPOUND scratched the hell out the the car. Even with the smallest amount of pressure used per the instructions. Thank God I used it only in a small spot.

What worked AMAZING for me was Turtle Wax Liquid Ice CLAY BAR. Did a sweet job at removing scratches etc.

Final coat I used the Liquid Ice wax and it looks awesome!

Sorry to hear. I used 3M's rubbung compound and it did a fantastic job. How did you apply it?

 

[wallymn]

Re: Cleaning?

Correct use of clay bar?

I understand the purpose of a clay bar, to remove debris.

Is it best to wash the car first, then clay bar, then wash again, then wax?

or

Wash, claybar and straight to waxing?

 

[mk1]

Re: Cleaning?

In regards to the paint this post seems to focus on what to do after damage is visible (swirl marks). What about if your someone that is going to purchase in a month or two? I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Black Genesis. I only wash my cars myself. Would simply using something like a soap that has carnuba wax built-in to it be enough to keep it looking its best or should I be using a different process? Again, any guidance for me on what is best to to keep the paint looking good long-term from the day I pick it up forward is appreciated.

I can almost guarantee that your new black Genesis will have swirl marks. It will get washed by the dealer - maybe more than once - and you can bet they don't take care to use the proper equipment.

If I were you, I'd request that they DON'T wash or wax the car before you pick it up.

But that's just me, I'm very picky when it comes to detailing my cars.

 

[TJPark01]

Re: Cleaning?

Correct use of clay bar?

I understand the purpose of a clay bar, to remove debris.

Is it best to wash the car first, then clay bar, then wash again, then wax?

or

Wash, claybar and straight to waxing?

http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/Clay-Bar/#overview

 

[Mark_888]

Re: Cleaning?

You don't need to be an old fart like me to have seen a badly oxidized paint surface. Just come look at my 1996 BMW 850 Ci.

Between the south FL sun, and the salt spray, all bets are off for your cars, even the white ones.

 

[Calvin]

Re: Cleaning?

I have tried dozens of products over the years and the best product I have found is a commercial product called "jetSeal 109". It's a fantastic sealer but it does a great job on swirl marks too!!!! So far that is all I have applied to the finish on my Genny.


http://www.chemicalguys.com/

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[wallymn]

Re: Cleaning?

Calvin,

Do you have a close up pick of your paint after applying?

 

[crupp]

Re: Cleaning?

if you don't mind spending a little money. This is what I did with amazing results:

1. Wash car with 2 buckets (1 with solution, 1 for rinsing your sponge)
2. Chamoi (sp) the entire car then move into garage
3. Clay whole car with Mothers Clay bar kit. Does not take long...20-25 mins.
4. Apply a coat of Wolgang Deep gloss sealant, let cure for 12 hours. Do not let the car get wet during this time. While waiting...
5. Use Eagle One Wadding polish on the wheels, apply let dry and then wipe off
6. Do your tires, I use Black Magic
7. Do your windows, I use Archaway Glass Cleaner
8. Now this is the step that takes your car over the edge, after the 12 hours apply a coat of Ultima Paint Guard Plus. This product just wipes on no reason to wipe off.

Though steps 4 and 8 seam redundant. Those two products actually give you a layered look. The Wolgang will give you unreal shine and the Ultima will give your car a constant wet look. The best thing is this process will keep the water beading and great shine for 4-6 months!!! Go to Autogeek.net to purchase your stuff ( I am not affiliated in anyway).

 

[wallymn]

Re: Cleaning?

Crupp,
Thanks for the details. Any chance you have a pic of your ride cleaned?

 

[crupp]

Re: Cleaning?

Here you go

 

[wallymn]

Re: Cleaning?

Thanks Crupp.

This is the finish I am looking for.

 

[jwaters943]

Re: Cleaning?

I've gotten similar results, at least in pics, w/ Mothers Reflections lineup. Not sure about durability (no complaints here after 1 year of use....although I tend to wax my car every 2-4 months depending on the weather).

It's a 2 part system consisting of a Wax & Top Coat. When you're done the paint is shiny, but after it "sets" and you wash it for the first time the paint takes on a super shiny high-gloss appearance.

Pics of my car after a fresh detailing w/ Mothers Reflections Wax & Top Coat:

 

[crupp]

Re: Cleaning?

Looks great!

 

[mk1]

Re: Cleaning?

if you don't mind spending a little money. This is what I did with amazing results:

1. Wash car with 2 buckets (1 with solution, 1 for rinsing your sponge)
2. Chamoi (sp) the entire car then move into garage
3. Clay whole car with Mothers Clay bar kit. Does not take long...20-25 mins.
4. Apply a coat of Wolgang Deep gloss sealant, let cure for 12 hours. Do not let the car get wet during this time. While waiting...
5. Use Eagle One Wadding polish on the wheels, apply let dry and then wipe off
6. Do your tires, I use Black Magic
7. Do your windows, I use Archaway Glass Cleaner
8. Now this is the step that takes your car over the edge, after the 12 hours apply a coat of Ultima Paint Guard Plus. This product just wipes on no reason to wipe off.

Though steps 4 and 8 seam redundant. Those two products actually give you a layered look. The Wolgang will give you unreal shine and the Ultima will give your car a constant wet look. The best thing is this process will keep the water beading and great shine for 4-6 months!!! Go to Autogeek.net to purchase your stuff ( I am not affiliated in anyway).

This is very interesting - couple of questions.

Why the two step process? Unless I'm missing something, the Wolfgang and Ultimate prodcuts appear to do the same thing - both are advertised as paint sealers.

How does this compare to something like Zaino (if you happen to be familiar with it)?

 

[crupp]

Re: Cleaning?

This is very interesting - couple of questions.

Why the two step process? Unless I'm missing something, the Wolfgang and Ultimate prodcuts appear to do the same thing - both are advertised as paint sealers.

How does this compare to something like Zaino (if you happen to be familiar with it)?

You are correct they are both sealants. The difference is that they adhere to your paint differently, hence giving a different type of shine/gloss. Another option would be to, after wash and clay, to apply a coat of Meguires #7 (for a deep gloss) and then add either Wolfgang or UGPS (whichever look you prefer) to seal. Keep in mind this is minor in appearance change (my wife thinks I am insane and can't tell any difference) but in close inspection there is a difference. The most important quality is the protection from weather elements, bugs, UV/UB rays, and the ease in which the car cleans after this stuff is done. Check out Autogeek.net or Autopia for some great ideas that's where I got this process. One guy layered the Wolfgang and UGPS 4 times That may be a bit much, though his car looked amazing.

I have never used Zaino, I have heard that it is an excellent product. The only draw back seems to be how long it lasts, weeks instead of months. Autpoia.com has good review section on these products.

 

[mk1]

Re: Cleaning?

You are correct they are both sealants. The difference is that they adhere to your paint differently, hence giving a different type of shine/gloss. Another option would be to, after wash and clay, to apply a coat of Meguires #7 (for a deep gloss) and then add either Wolfgang or UGPS (whichever look you prefer) to seal. Keep in mind this is minor in appearance change (my wife thinks I am insane and can't tell any difference) but in close inspection there is a difference. The most important quality is the protection from weather elements, bugs, UV/UB rays, and the ease in which the car cleans after this stuff is done. Check out Autogeek.net or Autopia for some great ideas that's where I got this process. One guy layered the Wolfgang and UGPS 4 times That may be a bit much, though his car looked amazing.

I have never used Zaino, I have heard that it is an excellent product. The only draw back seems to be how long it lasts, weeks instead of months. Autpoia.com has good review section on these products.

Thanks crupp. I've been using Zaino for 10 years and swear by it. The ONLY drawback to me is the multiple coats that need to be applied - you can get away with one but several is better. So it can be quite time consuming.

I recently compounded, polished and waxed (Zaino), so I may try your suggestions in the fall when it's time to prepare for the winter. It appears to be an easier process than what I go through.

Thanks again.